“You guys are so cheugy!”: A Slang Dictionary for Confused Parents

In times of technology and digitalization, it’s completely normal for teenagers to communicate in innovative ways instead of traditional phone calls – video calls, text and voice messages, photos, snaps, and more. As parents, we’ve noticed this trend. But is it really something bad, or is it simply an evolution in communication?

Most teenagers tend to avoid phone calls because they find them awkward. According to a study conducted in Australia, 42% of Generation Z prefer other forms of communication. However, according to data from the social media platform Snapchat, voice communication is on the rise. Phone calls aren’t disappearing – teens are just changing the way they do them, which actually has its benefits.

How Do Teenagers Communicate?

In June 2025, Snapchat released a report showing that young people do, in fact, talk on the phone:

  • Users of the app (from Generations Z and Y) make over 1.7 billion minutes of calls every day on average. Compared to the same period in 2024, this is a 30% increase.

  • Voice messages are extremely popular among young people. In the U.S. alone, Snapchat users sent over 2.5 billion voice messages in the first quarter of 2025 – up from 650 million in 2024.

Experts say meaningful connection is built when people communicate in the way that feels most natural to them. There’s even a trend within the trend – teens now prefer voice messages and video calls over texting.

Some people find it easier to express their thoughts and emotions through speaking. Voice messages carry the personal tone of the speaker and make the recipient feel as if they’re having a real conversation. The difference is that they can respond when it’s most convenient for them. Voice and video calls also strengthen feelings of connection and help reduce loneliness, which is often experienced during adolescence.

What Are the Downsides of Video Calls and Voice Messages?

In today’s world, technology dependency is high, and the lack of “real” communication could lead to deeper social anxiety in teens. It’s easier for them to talk on the phone than face-to-face. They also often avoid making simple calls like booking a doctor’s appointment, as it’s more stressful when speaking to someone they don’t know.

What Can We as Parents Do?

It’s a fact that teenagers are experts at sending voice messages, conducting video calls (even in groups), and online shopping through apps. But many of us wish our kids could handle situations outside the digital space without panic or fear. That’s why it’s recommended to encourage teens to include face-to-face and traditional phone conversations in their daily lives.

Communication is how we build relationships and connect with others. That’s why young people should not stop interacting with those around them – whether in person, over the phone, or through any other tools technology provides.

Communication without technology helps with:

  • Improving listening skills and the ability to analyze what’s heard;

  • Picking up on social cues that can’t be conveyed through voice or text messages;

  • Reducing screen time.

As modern, fun, and interesting as video and voice messaging may be, teens shouldn’t rely on them exclusively when communicating. We, as parents, need to encourage them to socialize in person more often and to make traditional phone calls, as this is beneficial for their communication and social skills.